Sofia Airport SOF: Departures and guide

Flying from/to Sofia Airport

Find out the best way to get from Sofia Airport to the city centre by doing some research in advance. Should you take a train, bus or a tram from the airport to and from the city centre? Our guide to Sofia Airport and the facilities mean you can find your way around the terminal upon arriving and plan the rest of your trip—whether its for a short weekend or a little longer.

Travel from Sofia city center to Sofia Airport

Sofia is one of the oldest cities in Europe with a rich history of socialist architecture. It is the capital of Bulgaria and the largest city in the country. Historical landmarks have made this city a tourist attraction site. They include the Medieval Boyana Church, St. George Rotunda Church and St. Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral. Sofia also has national museums, restaurants, national parks, galleries, Red Army monuments and Ottoman mosques. Visitors of this town can also hike on Mt. Vitosha, which is close to the city center. Sofia has been modernized with a transportation network that serves the large population in the city. Public transit in the city consists of buses, trams, trolleybuses and subway system. Public transit runs from 5:30 a.m. to around 11:00 p.m. daily. Passengers can visit the Sofia Urban Mobility Center Website for schedules, fares and a transit map of the city.

What's the best way to get to the airport from the city center?

The subway line 1 provides direct transit connection when one wants to travel to Sofia Airport from Sofia city center. Tickets are sold at the subway stations and they are valid for a short period. If a passenger prefers the bus, line 84 and line 184 offer transit from the city center (Gen. Gurko Street) to Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 at Sofia Airport. The two bus lines have a full day schedule. Line 384 also provides access to Sofia Airport from the city center. Passengers can board this bus at the Druzhba residential complex during the day. Buses are more convenient to travel to the airport as tickets can easily be bought with cash even from the driver. The first bus to the airport from the city center is at 4:40 a.m. while the last one leaves at 11:15 p.m. Sofia's subway network is available from 5:30 a.m. to midnight.

How far is it from the city center to the airport?

Sofia Airport is located just over six miles (10 kilometers) away from Sofia city center. Traveling to the airport from Sofia city center takes 25-30 minutes via bus line 384. The usual route of line 384 with an initial stop of Druzhba two is along Hr. Columbus through Druzhba 2 to Terminal 2. Line 84 and 184 take approximately 45 minutes during weekdays and 30-35 minutes on public holidays. A journey by the subway to Sofia Airport from Sofia city center takes 30 minutes. Taxis are also available on this route from Eagles Bridge but they might be more expensive compared to the buses and subway.

What facilities are there at there at the airport?

There are many facilities at the airport that include shops and eating places. Sofia Airport is equipped with free WiFi. Bank offices and ATMs are available at the airport.  Baggage wrapping is offered to protect luggage from staining or damage. Sofia airport recognizes different belief systems and offers a prayer and meditation room at Terminal 2. Terminal 1 has The Sofia Lounge with various amenities for guests of the airport. There is a waiting lounge for disabled people as well as restroom facilities.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

It is advisable for disabled passengers to travel with a friend or family for assistance in navigating the transportation systems. Those with limited mobility can use the subway to travel to Sofia Airport from Sofia city center. However, they will need help in boarding the subway and getting off when they arrive at the terminal. Newer buses have been made wheelchair accessible but they are limited. Passengers with limited mobility must plan ahead and inform their transit provider before buying a ticket.

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local

If one wants to travel like a local, it is advisable to have a regular transportation document. This allows a passenger to carry two pieces of hand luggage for free on any public urban transport vehicle. Additional luggage is however charged with a different transport document. The Druzhba route is more practical when traveling via bus to Sofia Airport from Sofia city center. Restaurants at the airport provide food and snacks for passengers at the shopping areas and restaurants. The best tickets are bus tickets as they are valid for longer than subway tickets, which are only valid for 30 minutes.